The holiday season is a nostalgic time, filled with traditions that transport us back to childhood. For those who grew up in the ’80s, there’s an extra layer of nostalgia created by the iconic toys, decorations, and pop culture phenomena of the era. I’ve curated this list based on popular trends, heartwarming memories, and enduring cultural symbols.
You’ll be taken down memory lane and reminded of the timeless joys that make the Christmas season so cherished. So let’s journey back to a simpler time when the most magical thing about Christmas was waking up to find that Santa had visited.
Cabbage Patch Kids
Nothing says ’80s Christmas like the Cabbage Patch Kids. These dolls, with their soft bodies and plastic faces, were the must-have toy of the decade. The excitement of discovering a Cabbage Patch Kid under the tree, adoption papers and all, is a memory forever etched in the hearts of many ’80s kids.
Remember, each Cabbage Patch Kid was unique, from its hair and eye color to the clothes it wore. That individuality made the joy of unwrapping one even sweeter. These dolls are still favored by collectors, and finding an original in good condition can be a real treasure.
Christmas Light Battles
Before LED lights and synchronized light shows, we had big, bulbous, colorful Christmas lights. The ’80s was a time when neighborhoods transformed into twinkling wonderlands, each house trying to outdo the other with their festive displays.
For many, the ritual of untangling lights, replacing bulbs, and strategically placing them around the house was a family tradition. Today, though advancements have made the task easier, there’s something charming about those old-school illuminations that modern technology just can’t replicate.
Watching Christmas Specials
There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of watching beloved Christmas specials like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” or “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” on network television. In an era before streaming and on-demand, these specials were a once-a-year event, creating treasured family memories.
Despite the ease of access today, these classics still hold a special place during the holidays. So why not pop some popcorn, gather the family, and continue the tradition of watching these heartwarming specials?
The Sears Wish Book
Poring over the Sears Wish Book was a holiday season tradition for ’80s kids. This catalog, filled with toys, clothes, and electronics, was the ultimate resource for crafting the perfect letter to Santa.
Though the catalog may be a thing of the past, the joy of flipping through its pages, dreaming of what might be under the tree, is a memory that remains for many. Nowadays, online shopping dominates, but nothing can replace the tactile delight of browsing through the Wish Book.
Pop Music Christmas Albums
The ’80s saw a surge in pop stars releasing Christmas albums. Who could forget Wham’s “Last Christmas” or Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” These tunes added a modern twist to the holiday playlist, making the season feel a little more cool and contemporary.
These songs continue to be holiday staples, serving as reminders of the decade’s unique blend of tradition and pop culture. So go ahead and add these classics to your holiday playlist for a nostalgic musical treat.
Homemade Ornaments
The ’80s was a time of crafting, and homemade ornaments were a big part of that. Whether it was a popsicle stick reindeer or a handprint Santa, these creations added a personal touch to every tree.
These ornaments, often saved and cherished year after year, tell the story of growing up. They’re more than just decorations; they’re reminders of Christmases past and of the joy and anticipation of the holiday season.
Whether you’re an ’80s kid or not, these memories remind us that the magic of Christmas is timeless. It’s in the traditions we uphold, the songs we sing, and the joy we share. So this season, let’s cherish these memories and create new ones, filling our homes with the warmth and wonder of Christmas.